The best octane booster available
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 52,957
Likes: 44,480
From: SW OH.
The OP stated he is running XiED's, so the pinging is not caused by being too lean. That leaves bad gas or too much timing advance. Most octane boosters are a waste of time and money. It's not that they don't work, but that they don't do enough. When they advertise as raising octane 3 points it means (for example) it will raise 89 octane fuel to 89.3... not 92.
The only thing I've found that works is Torco Accellerator or homebrew octane boost. Torco works, but it's not a long term solution. Regular use will leave leave rust colored deposits on your plugs and pistons, which over time, will lower your spark intensity and raise your compression. Homebrew booster (1 gal. Toluene + 1 oz. of Marvel Mystery Oil) is effective but not very practical to carry with you. Use Torco as directed on the can; homebrew can be safely used in concentrations up to 30% (e.g., up to 1.5 gals in a 5 gal. tank), w/o fear of damaging seals, hoses, etc.
The only thing I've found that works is Torco Accellerator or homebrew octane boost. Torco works, but it's not a long term solution. Regular use will leave leave rust colored deposits on your plugs and pistons, which over time, will lower your spark intensity and raise your compression. Homebrew booster (1 gal. Toluene + 1 oz. of Marvel Mystery Oil) is effective but not very practical to carry with you. Use Torco as directed on the can; homebrew can be safely used in concentrations up to 30% (e.g., up to 1.5 gals in a 5 gal. tank), w/o fear of damaging seals, hoses, etc.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
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From: Northwest
Most any small airport will have aviation gas. It has an octane rating of around 105-110. A shot of that will raise your overall octane.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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I have edited my original post for clarification,the bike doesn't have a problem,sooner or later you will pick up a bad tank of gas(octane wise)and will find it would be better to add some booster than drain it out and go looking for better gas especially when traveling.
Re the homebrew...
Toluene has an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 114. This is the same rating applied to pump gas. So, 1 gallon of the homebrew mixed with 4 gals of premium will net you a tankful of 95.6 octane. This is based on 91 octane premium, which is all that is available here, except for the occasional place that pumps 100 octane unleaded race fuel. I think where you are in FL, you can get 93 octane Sunoco? If so, the same 4-1 mix would net you 97.2 octane. You can buy toluene at chemical supply houses (the least expensive source) or paint stores. For the few times I've needed it, I just go to the local Sherwin Williams.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
Try teh STP booster, any autozone has it. Ya might want ta think about down shifting and running higher RPM in that situation til you get a new tank of gas.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 291
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From: Long Island, NY
Is this typically leaded or unleaded and is it okay to run in cars and motorcycles?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
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From: Conroe Texas
Yes much lead and no not good to run in cars or FI bikes. not good for the 02 sensors.